Confession: Language barrier question

[MarieVeronica]

Hypothetically… let’s suppose that you go to Confession, and unbeknownst to you… the priest speaks only enough english to have a basic understanding of your confession.

After confessing, but before he speaks to you (and reveals his “broken” english)… you start to talk to him about a certain difficulty you’re having, in the hope of getting some advice. He mumbles some words very quickly, but does not answer your question. At that point… you realize, that he hasn’t understood what you asked him.

He then asks you to say your Act of Contrition… and grants you absolution.

I’m assuming that the confessed sins have been forgiven, because the words of absolution have been pronounced; but what do you think the effect is… of the priest not having understood your questions?

Does that matter to God? Should the person keep asking the questions, at future Confessions?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. God bless.

 

[Elizabeth502]

I will also be interested in reading responses, because I’ve had the identical problem with the pastor of my favorite church. I wasn’t asking him questions, though: rather, he was asking me. It wasn’t clear to me until I left the confessional that he thought I had committed a super serious sin, because of this language barrier.

 

[Sr_Sally]

It doesn’t matter what sin he thought you might have committed. The sins you did confess are absolved. People have often throughout the live of the Church had to confess to priests who did not speak the same language well. Your confession is completed by your contrition and the words of absolution. Even if you and the priest are both native speakers of the same language, he might not be able to judge the completeness of your contrition.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hypothetically… let’s suppose that you go to Confession, and unbeknownst to you… the priest speaks only enough english to have a basic understanding of your confession.

After confessing, but before he speaks to you (and reveals his “broken” english)… you start to talk to him about a certain difficulty you’re having, in the hope of getting some advice. He mumbles some words very quickly, but does not answer your question. At that point… you realize, that he hasn’t understood what you asked him.

He then asks you to say your Act of Contrition… and grants you absolution.

I’m assuming that the confessed sins have been forgiven, because the words of absolution have been pronounced; but what do you think the effect is… of the priest not having understood your questions?

Does that matter to God? Should the person keep asking the questions, at future Confessions?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. God bless.

You can ask again at your next Confession, but that in no way invalidates your past Confession.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Thank you all… for your responses. I appreciate it. :thankyou: